Savannah Bailee Madden
English 210-003
May 1, 2012
Destrehan Plantation
The lower Mississippi Valley is home great parts of Louisiana history; among
these great parts is the New Orleans Plantation Country. Many of the preserved
plantations hold great stories of Louisiana history, but none are as fascinating as the
Destrehan Plantation. The Destrehan Plantation lies on 4 acres of land and sits off of
River Road in Destrehan, Louisiana. The plantation is now apart of the River Road
Historic Society as a non-profit organization. Through the years the plantation has seen
many renovations and changes throughout its history, but it still holds the beauty and
stories that made the plantation what it is today.
The, what is now very famous plantation, was constructed in 1787 by Charles
Paquet. Paquet sold his work of art to a profitable indigo farmer, Robert Antointe Robin
Delogny. When Delogny passed away in 1792 the plantation was passed down to his sonin-law Jean Noel Destrehan. The first major change to the plantation was the transition,
during the 19th century, from an indigo plantation to sugarcane. The appearance of the
plantation was also altered during this century. The original columns were replaced with
Greek Revival Doric columns and semi-detached wings were also added. (Destrehan
Plantation)
Destrehan Plantation is not only famous for its beauty as a home, but for the
accomplishments of the man that owned it. Still available for viewing in the restored
plantation is the document, signed by Thomas Jefferson, appointing Jean Noel Destrehan
and other to the New Orleans Territorial Council. Destrehan was very active in helping
write the territorial and state law of Louisiana and he also helped perfect the granulation
of sugar. (Destrehan Plantation | Since 1787) Another note worthy event at Destrehan
Plantation was in 1811 when the trial of the famous Slave Revolt took place. There was
also the legend that Jean Lafitte, the famous 19th century French pirate in the Gulf of
Mexico, had visited the plantation with great frequency. This legend brought many
people, searching for hidden treasure, to the plantation. These treasure seekers came to
the plantation and ripped down the walls in search for this great treasure. (Destrehan
Plantation - A Louisiana Legacy)
During the 20th century Louisiana was making the change into a more industrial
society, rather then purely agricultural. At this time the plantation was being used as a
facility for one of the prosperous oil companies. (Destrehan Plantation) In the year of
1968 a local group of friends grew concerned for the well being of this great piece of
history. They formally requested that Amoco Oil Company make some repairs to the
plantation to secure the property against intruders. After these wise suggestions were
made, Amoco should great willingness to donate the historic property to the non-profit
organization, River Road Historic Society. (Destrehan Plantation | Since 1787)
In 1978 the history was preserved when the house opened to the public for tours.
Although the house has undergone many renovations to safely preserve its structure, the
plantations history still remains intact. Through the 225 years of the plantations existence,
the plantation has been a huge part of Louisiana history and remains open to share its
story with anyone who visits. The Red River Historic Society tries to bring people back
in history as they tour the plantation. Costumed guides, indigo dying, sugar cane
processing, and craft demonstrations are all offered to help bring the visitors a little closer
to history. (Destrehan Plantation - A Louisiana Legacy)
Works Cited
"Destrehan Plantation - A Louisiana Legacy." America's Most Memorable Travel
Destination. Web. 03 May 2012.
<http://neworleansplantationcountry.com/plantations/destrehan-plantation>.
"Destrehan Plantation | Since 1787." Destrehan Plantation. Web. 03 May 2012.
<http://www.destrehanplantation.org/>.
"Destrehan Plantation." Explore the History and Culture of Southeastern Louisiana.
Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/des.htm>.